This paper presents improvement suggestions for Buddhist monk welfare system in Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. By taking a closer look at the current status of support to Sangha Welfare Association, it first addresses the issues to overcome in order to activate the Buddhist monk welfare system as well as to revitalize the Community of Buddhist practitioners. It then is followed by some suggestions on how to make improvement.
Buddhist monk welfare system is essential for monks to continue monastic practices while having a stable life. Jogye Order who is at the heart of the Sangha Community therefore should lead the Buddhist monk welfare so that Buddhist monks can maintain solidarity. It not only matters to monks at individual level, but also Jogye Order at organizational level for sustainability.
In chapter 2, I conceptualized the Buddhist monk welfare system and highlighted the importance of it. Based on my review of Buddhist Monk Welfare System, demography of Buddhist monks, and the administrative as well as financial accounting status of Jogye Order, I then conducted a preliminary study. To understand the existing practice of welfare system managed by Sangha Welfare Association, I also reviewed the key content, process, and history of each welfare programs in the next chapter which revealed the various issues around financing, housing shortage, mental impairment such as anxiety resulting from the lack of housing, lack of awareness of welfare system among monks, and etc. Finally, in chapter 4 I articulated proposed solutions to tackle those issues described in previous chapters.
Following is the summary of major challenges and solutions for improvement:
One, financial instability is there due to an absence of legal mechanism for financing and lack of static budget. To enhance financial stability, it is necessary to set a part of admission charges for Buddhist cultural assets aside as a special contribution to Buddhist monk welfare. Generating extra source of budget by setting up the Independence Fund is also highly suggested. Once the welfare system is well-settled, then we may also consider introducing deductible voluntary contributions to the beneficiary.
Two, the shortage of housing and facilities especially for aged monks to continue practice Buddhism is serious. Jogey Order should initiate refurbishment in housing architecture to ensure that temple is an appropriate environment for monks to stay and practice. Lowering residential occupancy requirements for aged monks to accommodate more of them is also equally important.
Three, the distrust or unfavorable opinion to welfare system can be solved by building awareness of Buddhist monk welfare system and actively promoting and communicating its purpose and benefits. In addition Jogye Order is to strengthen institutional standards and governance to support Sangha Community to enhance harmony among monks.